Copy of Anglo-Saxon and Beowulf Background Notes

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Transcript of Copy of Anglo-Saxon and Beowulf Background Notes

The Anglo Saxon people were Germanic tribes who invaded the British Isles andexiled the Celtic tribes in the 5th century. The British Isles were seen as precious land and they arethe most invaded land in all of history.After the Anglo-Saxons defeated the Celts they dividedBritain into 7 kingdoms. Eachkingdom was inhabited bya different tribe and ruled by a king (cyning).The Anglo-Saxon tribes weresavage, ruthless people who lived life by a strict warrior code.For hundreds of years theseven tribes fought in great wars against each other to gain power of the entire British Isles.Although the Anglo Saxon people were ruthless warriors, they were widely known for their courage and nobilityin war and everyday life.Anglo-Saxon literature (or earlyMedieval Literature) has many conventions (similar characteristics).Anglo-Saxon literary Conventions:1.) The cyning or king was the central partof every kingdom and tribe. He was in charge of the protection of his people, land, and giving gifts to his loyal warriors. Loyalty to one's king was theAnglo-Saxon's main virtue. The king's warriors couldnot surpass him in valor or fall below him in bravery.He was the loaf protector.... this means he was the giver of bread, which was the basic substance to survive in the medieval period.Oral TraditionLike many other illiterate societies, the Anglo-Saxons relied on oral compositionto pass on their war stories, traditions, and literature.A scop (shaper of tales) was a person who wouldtravel across the country learning historic or fictional tales of battle, love, and courage. Their purpose was to pass on stories through generations so they would not be forgotten. They were both historians and entertainers.2.) Women-Women were highly regardedin the Anglo-Saxon culture. They were said to have a sixth sense (see future) which wasimportant during wars. At feasts they were cupbearers which was an honored position. Women were said to be pure and lived in a monogamous relationship with their husbands. They also had strong, respected relationships with theirfathers, uncles, nephews, sons. . .ect3.) Warrior Attitude in BattleThe Anglo-Saxon warrior's attitudetoward battle was always fearless and brave.In their belief system the gods and mankind were in constant battle ag. evil. If evil won, the world would be destroyed. They believed if they foughtas hard as they could in life (wars) they would die a glorious death on the battlefield and they then could achieve immortality. Warriors confronted life as embracing death. They did not look at obstacles or warfare as a bad thing. They not only accept their wyrd (fate) but rejoiced in dying on the battlefield because they would achieve glory in death.4.) Dark/Light ImageryIn many pieces of literature(including Beowulf) there is a suddenjump from a dark tone to a light tone.For example, warriors could be feasting and rejoicing in a mead hall and then a monster killspeople. Then everyone is happy again. This symbolizes their outlook on life: life is difficult, but one must accept and embrace ones fate. . . become a better person.5.) Mead Hall (mead= alcohol of honey)The mead hall was the center of Anglo-Saxon society. This is where warriors met, made importantdecisions, celebrated. . . ect. The mead hall was essential to their society because this is where they bonded with each one another. They called their friends or comrades their "shoulder companions." If someone broke the law a common punishment would be exile. To be exiled from one's tribe was a fate worse than death. Loss of companionship= great sorrow.6.) BoastingIn the mead hall or on the battle field, a warrior needed to boast about their past and future accomplishmentsto create a good reputation. However, the warrior would need to follow through on his bragging. If they didn't they were considered cowards. They needed both words and works.While reading Beowulf you will be asked to recognize these 6 conventionswithin the poem. In addition, be aware of the following themes:1. Contrast good/bad kings2. transitory of lifeHistory of Anglo-Saxon CivilizationAnglo-Saxons and Literature